According to Hindu mythology, Rahu causes eclipses by swallowing the Sun or the Moon. As per the legend, Swarbhanu, the son of the demon king Viprachitti and queen Simhika, disguised himself as a god and sat between the Sun and the Moon to drink the nectar of immortality (amrita). Once, Mohini (a female incarnation of Lord Vishnu) who was distributing the divine nectar, noticed this mistake. Swarbhanu was struck with a discus (Sudarshan Chakra), severing his head from his body. However, since he had already consumed the nectar, he did not die. Swarbhanu then requested Lord Vishnu for salvation (moksha). Accordingly, his head was attached to a serpent’s body and became what we know as Rahu, while the serpent’s head joined his body and became Ketu.

Although Rahu is not technically a planet, it is considered one of the Navagrahas (nine celestial bodies) in Vedic astrology. Rahu is regarded as a malefic planet, and its influence is considered as potent as Saturn’s. The metal representing Rahu is lead. Its element is air, and its direction is southwest. In Indian numerology, Rahu rules over the number 4. Rahu also governs three constellations: Ardra, Swati, and Shatabhisha. The period of Rahu (Rahu Mahadasha) lasts for 18 years, with the 6th and 8th years often being the most troublesome.

Effects of Rahu Dosha (affliction):

When afflicted by Rahu, a person faces various hardships and obstacles on the path to success.

It causes mental restlessness. During Rahu Mahadasha, the person tends to lie frequently without reason and often has a hot temper.

Health issues such as intestinal problems, ulcers, gastric troubles, high blood pressure, and even stroke leading to death can occur.

The individual may experience frequent nightmares, physical weakness, and extreme laziness.

Rahu’s influence can cause a person to lose focus from their goals, creating obstacles in building a career.

Despite hard work, they do not get results proportional to their efforts. Students may lose concentration, neglect studies throughout the year, and attempt to pass exams at the last minute.

There is a lack of happiness and prosperity, and the native often becomes entangled in unnecessary legal issues. They rarely earn a good reputation, and defamation is likely.

Rahu’s affliction may lead a person into bad company.

Even if born into a wealthy family, the person remains surrounded by misfortunes.

Financial losses occur. When Rahu influences the ascendant, it can lead to repeated breakups in romantic relationships and the inability to form lasting bonds.

Depression, hair fall, mental stress, and brittle nails are common effects.

If Rahu’s position in the birth chart is unfavorable, premature hair loss and eventual baldness may happen.

To reduce the malefic effects of Rahu, remedies should be performed. Installing a Siddh Rahu Yantra at home is believed to help in mitigating Rahu’s negative influence.